Bendable Cargo Securement Device and Method

ABSTRACT

A compact bendable cargo securement device for stabilizing unrestrained items in the bed or cargo area of a pick-up truck or storage area in a motorhome or recreational trailer is disclosed. It may also be used as a stabilizer doing woodwork and other jobs that require stability of the work platform. The device will conform to any surface and has the ability to wrap around objects—both regular and irregular shaped—and will hold them and keep them from shifting. As disclosed, the bendable cargo securement device is composed of a flexible tube loaded with filler material when used and deployed for securing objects. The flexible tube is preferably fabricated from rubber or any material allowing sufficient flexibility for the cargo securement device to wrap around items while having suitable strength to avoid puncture/destruction from deployment. Each end of the device requires a closure to contain the filler material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant states that this application is a continuation of and claimsthe benefit of pending non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/429,036 filed Feb. 9, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,882,439), whichclaimed benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/293,093 filed on Feb. 9, 2016,and all of said applications are incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to create or develop the invention herein.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to securing cargo in a cargoarea of a motor vehicle and, more particularly, this invention relatesto an apparatus for securing various shaped articles in the cargo areaof a vehicle which will conform to the regular shapes of individualpieces of cargo and irregular shapes of combinations of cargo.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applicant submits herein the published patent application Cargo Snake asdescribed for example in published U.S. Pat. App. No. 20070210569 toAnderson, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, whichgenerally describes an elongated tubular member made of plastic havingeach of a first predetermined shape and a predetermined length filledfor the purpose of wrapping around and securing cargo.

Additional Prior Art: The following patents are incorporated byreference for purposes of enablement.

Patent Applicant Title U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,941 Gar Wood Ind Inc Dunnagebar U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,089 Veilleux Roger L Flexible container forstoring sand U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,142 Douglas Tanner Inner tube tractiondevice U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,138 Hall; William M. Vehicle ballastreceptacle U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,287 Robert W. Courier expressable cargoHaberkorn quilt and method therefor U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,961 WatkinsTravis R Truck bed ballast system USD377475 Pickup truck bed stabilizerUSD501313 Bethel Interna- Purse tional, Inc.

The incorporation of the prior art references is not an admission by theApplicant as to relevancy as of prior art as to its teaching anyparticular element or combination of elements as found in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present disclosure relates to securement of cargo using a bendabletubular type member with further improvements and enhancements over theteachings of Anderson which Applicant has found lacking when deployedfor its intended purpose of cargo deployment. Anderson requires the endsof a “flexible” tube to be permanently sealed when in use. Andersondiscloses use of plastic for the “flexible” tube which Applicant hasfound to be insufficiently flexible or bendable i.e. constructed ofmaterial too rigid and inelastic to allow proper bending and shaping forsufficient engagement with articles to be stored—particularly thosehaving irregular shapes as disclosed and discussed further herein.Anderson reduces the utility of the flexible tube as a securementstructure as the weighted material inside the flexible tube makes itcumbersome to transport or store when not in use. Further, the utilityof Anderson is reduced as shown because Anderson teaches interlockingthe ends of the flexible tube during deployment or attachment of theends to the cargo area. The present disclosure is not so limited.

The compact flexible securement device as disclosed is useful forstabilizing unrestrained items in the bed or cargo area of a pick-uptruck or storage area in a motorhome or recreational trailer asdisclosed. The bendable and sufficiently flexible securement device mayalso be deployed in cars, trucks, SUVs and ambulances. In anotherdeployment it may be used as a stabilizer doing woodwork and other jobsthat require stability of the work platform. The securement device willconform to any surface and has the ability to wrap around objects—bothregular and irregular shaped—and will hold them and keep them fromshifting. As disclosed the tube may be fabricated from butyl rubber(synthetic) or natural rubber. The securement device may range in lengthfrom 1 foot to 12 foot for deployment. The tube of the securement devicemay have a stored diameter of 2 inch to 10 inches. The tube should befabricated from material having sufficient flexibility and bendabilityto allow the securement device to wrap around items while havingsuitable strength to avoid puncture/destruction from deployment.Further, the material chosen should not allow absorption or invasion offluids into the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the wallthickness of the tube is in the range of 0.9 mm to 4.0 mm and thematerial for construction is butyl rubber. As disclosed, the securementdevice is composed of a tube which may be filled with filler materialwhen deployed for increased functionality and clamped at each end asdisclosed. Each end of the device requires a closure, to contain thefiller material inserted in the tube during deployment and use. Suitablefill materials include pea gravel, rock, crushed rock or dirt. Dependingon the length and diameter selected for the securement device thedeployed weight can range from 15-100 pounds. As discussed furtherherein, the clamp system shown herein further enhances the utility ofthe present disclosure across all deployments allowing compactedunfilled storage and transport prior to and/or after filled use anddeployment of the bendable cargo securement device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of theBENDABLE CARGO SECUREMENT DEVICE AND METHOD (hereinafter referred tosimply as “Securement Device”) as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Securement Device as disclosed.

FIG. 2A is a view of the topside of the clamp of the Securement Devicedisclosed and deployed with a Securement Device.

FIG. 2B is a view of the bottom side of the clamp of the SecurementDevice disclosed.

FIG. 3 is a view of the interior face of both the topside portion (upperpicture) and the bottom side portion (lower picture) of the clamp.

FIG. 3A is a detailed view of the topside of the clamp and particularlythe recess positioned in the interior face of the topside of the clamp.

FIG. 3B is a detailed view of the bottom side of the clamp andparticularly the ridge positioned in the interior face of the bottomside of the clamp.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the end of the bendable tube prior toinstallation of the clamp.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the end of the tube positioned on thebottom portion of the clamp.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the top and bottom portions of theclamp with the end of the tube positioned therein.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the Securement Device deployed in a pick-up boxwherein the tube of the bendable securement device is positioned aroundand on top of an oil container, a gas container, a chain saw and atoolbox in the cargo section of a pick-up box.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the Securement Device as deployed tosecure a stack of logs within a truck pick-up box.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the Securement Device as deployed tosecure an LP tank and a car battery.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the Securement Device deployed to securea combination of items in a pick-up box including a LP tank and variousboxes wherein the securement device is positioned over the boxes and infront of the tank in the pick-up box.

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of the Securement Device whereinthe tube of the bendable securement device is positioned around chainsaw and a box in the pick-up box.

FIG. 11 is top view of the tube of the securement device as coiled afterunboxing and prior to fill material being added or clamps beinginstalled.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the Securement Device prior to assemblybefore unboxing illustrating the compact size of the unassembledproduct. The consumer version is approximately six (6) feet long whenuncoiled but may be packaged for shipping or storage coiled in the boxas shown having a dimension of approximately 5½ inches by 8 inches witha height of approximately 2 inches for a tube having a length of 72inches, a diameter of 4 inches and a wall thickness of 1/16 inches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Element Description Element Number Pick-up box 1End gate 2 3 Fill material 4 5 6 7 8 9 Bendable Cargo Securement Device10  Flexible tubular section (tube) 11  Tube wall 11a Tube opening 11bTube end 11c Tube interior 11d Closure device 12  Clamp 13  Top (first)portion 13a Bottom (second) portion 13b Apertures 13c Guide tube 13dContact zone 14  Contact ridges 14a Contact recesses 14b Locking Zone15  Locking Recess 15a Locking Ridge 15b 16  Fastener 17  18  19 Securable objects 20  Securable objects perimeter 20a Log 21  Logperimeter 21a Chain Saw 22  Chain saw perimeter 22a Tool Box 23  ToolBox perimeter 23a LP Tank 24  LP Tank perimeter 24a Gas container 25 Gas container perimeter 25a Oil container 26  Battery 27  Shipping(storage) box 30 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the various embodiments and deployments of the Securement Deviceare disclosed and described herein, it is to be understood that theSecurement Device as described is not limited to specific methods,specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The present application may refer to the bendable cargosecurement device disclosed herein alternatively by applicant'strademark “Cargo Wrap” without departure from the present disclosure.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint. “Optional” or “optionally” meansthat the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may notoccur, and that the description includes instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not. Throughout thedescription and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” andvariations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means“including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, forexample, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “anexample of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferredor ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, butfor explanatory purposes. Disclosed are components that can be used toperform the disclosed Securement Device and method of deploying andusing or unloading and storing the Securement Device 10 for use withsingle objects 20 having regular shapes (i.e. a tool box 23, oilcontainer 26 and battery 27 as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10) orirregular shapes (logs 21 or chain as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10) orcombinations of logs 21 and tool boxes 23 or battery 27 and LP tank 24having regular and irregular shapes (as shown in FIGS. 6-10). One ofordinary skill will appreciate that regular shaped securable objects 20may have sides that are all equal and angles that are all equal.Irregular shapes have sides and angles of any length and size such asfor example pentagons, hexagons and or octagons, without restriction orlimitation. Irregular means unpredictable, with at least one variationin the dimension of a side or the shape of the side. The perimeter of achainsaw 22, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is one example of an irregularshape as used herein as it has three sides of unequal length with afourth side being of a generally varying radiused curve. One perimeterof a stack of firewood logs 21, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is anotherexample of unpredictability as the dimensions (length, width, radius) ofthe logs 21 as well as the shape can vary from log to log as well as theorder or arrangement of any particular combination of pieces due to theamorphous nature of a log 21 which is a natural bio-based product.

These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understoodthat when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of thesecomponents are disclosed that while specific reference of each variousindividual and collective combinations and permutation of these may notbe explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and describedherein, for all Securement Device 10. This applies to all aspects ofthis application including, but not limited to, components of aSecurement Device 10. Thus, if there are a variety of additionalcomponents that can be added it is understood that each of theseadditional components can be added with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the Securement Device 10. The presentSecurement Device 10 may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examplesincluded therein and to the Figures and their previous and followingdescription.

Illustrative Embodiment Of Device

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Securement Device 10 as disclosed.As shown, the Securement Device 10 as constructed is sufficientlybendable and flexible that the clamps 13 positioned at the ends of thetube 11 may touch or almost touch when the Securement Device 10 iswrapped around itself. Further, the bendability of the Securement Device10 may be modified as needed by increasing or decreasing the amount offill material 4 positioned in the interior of the tube 11. Further,removal or addition of fill material 4 also allows for alteration of theflexibility or bendability of the Securement Device 10. Although notshown, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that suitable fill material4 may be chosen from the group including pea gravel, rock, crushed rockand dirt, depending on the application desired. Typically, it ispreferable to choose a material which is relatively dense, clean and drysuch as pea gravel, without limitation or restriction, to avoid theSecurement Device 10 losing its flexibility in cold weather due tomoisture in the fill material freezing. As shown, the material offabrication selected for the tube 11 is butyl rubber, without limitationor restriction, which is flexible and relatively impermeable to outsidefluid intrusion.

FIG. 2A is a view of the topside of the clamp 13 of the SecurementDevice 10 disclosed and deployed with a Securement Device 10. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 the closure device 12 is a plastic clamp13 and configured for use and insertion of three (3) fasteners 17 whichare shown as self-tapping screws. One of ordinary will appreciate thatin no way is the closure device 12 limited to the particularconfiguration shown herein as clamp 13 and that other closure devices 12may be used to practice the bendable cargo securement device 10 hereinwithout departure from the spirit and intent of the invention.Variations in the design of the closure device 12 may include inclusionof a living hinge (not shown) along the anterior portion of the clamp13, by way of example and without limitation, to keep the top portion 13a and bottom portion 13 b attached without interfering with engagementwith the tube end 11 c. As shown the top (first) portion of the clamp 13a is positioned over the end of the tube 11 c and engages directly withthe tube wall 11 a. As shown, three (3) apertures are positioned in thetop portion of the clamp 13 a for insertion of fasteners 17 which isdisclosed as a self-tapping screw (not shown), without limitation orrestriction. FIG. 2B is a view of the bottom (second) side 13 b of theclamp of the Securement Device 10 disclosed. As shown, three (3) guidetubes 13 d are positioned in the bottom (second) side 13 b of the clamp.One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the apertures 13 c and guidetubes 13 d are aligned. Further, it will be appreciated that thefasteners 17 as disclosed pierce the end of the tube so that thefasteners engage with the end of the tube 11 via tube wall openings 11b. (not shown) One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the holes maybe pre-configured in the tube wall 11 a or may be created via thefastener 17 having a self-tapping type end as disclosed herein, withoutrestriction or limitation. Further, although applicant has disclosedthree (3) fasteners evenly spaced across the face of the clamp 13, othernumbers of fasteners 17, in other configurations, may work withoutlimitation or restriction, subject to the particular use, deployment orembodiment therein.

FIG. 3 is a view of the interior faces of both the topside portion(upper picture) and the bottom side portion (lower picture) of theclamp, labeled 13 a and 13 b, respectively. FIG. 3A is a detailed viewof the topside of the clamp 13 a and particularly the locking recess 15a positioned in the interior face of the topside of the clamp 13 a. Asshown, the face of the top side of the clamp 13 a has a contact zone 14comprised of a combination of contact ridges and recesses (14 a, 14 b)positioned below the locking recess 15 a. FIG. 3B is a detailed view ofthe bottom side of the clamp 13 b and particularly the locking ridge 15b positioned in the interior face of the bottom side of the clamp 13 b.As shown, the face of the bottom side of the clamp 13 b also has acontact zone 14 comprised of a combination of contact ridges andrecesses (14 a, 14 b) positioned below the locking ridge 15 b. As shown,there are nine (9) ridges having a dimension of 0.0625-0.125 inches andnine (9) recesses having a similar dimension range of 0.0625-0.125inches. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that other numbers ofridges and recesses with other dimensions may also work for a particularapplication without restriction or limitation. FIG. 5 is a perspectiveview of the tube end 11 c positioned on the bottom portion of the clamp13 b. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the top and bottom portions ofthe clamp (13 a, 13 b) with the tube end 11 c positioned therein. Duringattachment of the clamp 13 to the tube 11 for use of the SecurementDevice 10, the locking ridge 15 b is inserted into and engages with thelocking recess 15 a. One of ordinary skill will appreciate the lockingridge 15 b could be positioned on the bottom side of the clamp 13 b andthe locking recess 15 a on the top side of the clamp 13 a withoutdeparture from the spirit and intent of the disclosure. As disclosed,the locking ridge 15 b and locking recess 15 a are configured as a“half-moon” shape positioned towards the apex of the clamp 13 and abovethe contact zone 14 to engage and lock together for engagement with thetube wall 1 a and sealing against the open end of the tube 11 b. By wayof example, and without limitation or restriction, the locking recess 15a disclosed could be configured as a plurality of locking recesses 15 bto engage with a plurality of locking ridges 15 b. Further, the shape ofthe locking recesses 15 a and locking ridges 15 b could vary from thatdisclosed. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that although notshown, other configurations, positions and shapes may work to align,engage and fix the position of the tube end with the clamp 13 withoutlimitation or restriction, subject to the particular use, deployment orembodiment therein. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the end of thebendable tube 11 prior to installation of the clamp 13. At least oneparticular advantage of the securement device 10 disclosed is the clamp13 having the combination of a contact zone 14 and a locking recess 15 aand locking ridge 15 b for aligning, engaging with and fixing theposition of the tube wall 11 a, tube opening 11 b and tube end 12 withthe clamp 13 to ensure minimal loss of fill material 4 positioned withintube wall 11 a during use and deployment. As disclosed in FIGS. 2-5, anddiscussed herein, the tube 11 and clamp 13 arrangement disclosed hereinprovides at least one particular advantage for the Securement Device 10disclosed herein when deployed across any and all suitable uses for theSecurement Device 10. (See discussion herein for FIGS. 6-10) Further,one of ordinary skill will appreciate that as disclosed, the clamp 13may be installed for either temporary or permanent use of the SecurementDevice 10, i.e. the clamp 13 may be installed after fill material 4 isadded to the tube 11 for deployment with the fill material 4 thenremoved, after removal of the clamp 13, and the tube rolled up forefficient storage until the next use, as a temporary use. One ofordinary skill will also appreciate that many others will prefer topermanently attach the clamp 13 with the Securement Device 10 in itsfilled mode as shown in FIG. 1. One of ordinary skill will appreciatethat clamp 13 as disclosed is but one type of closure device 12 whichmay be used with the bendable cargo securement device and methods of itsuse as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the Securement Device deployed in a pick-up box1 wherein the tube 11 of the bendable securement device 10 is positionedaround and on top of, a gas container 25, an oil container 26, achainsaw 22 and a toolbox 23 in the cargo section of a pick-up box 1,proximate the tailgate (not shown). FIG. 7 is a perspective view of theSecurement Device 10 as deployed to secure a stack of logs 21 within thecargo section of a pick-up box 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of theSecurement Device 10 as deployed to secure an LP tank 24 and a carbattery 27. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the Securement Device 10deployed to secure a combination of items in a pick-up box including aLP tank 24 and various boxes 24 wherein the Securement Device 10 ispositioned over the boxes 24 and in front of the LP tank 24 in thepick-up box 1. FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of the SecurementDevice 10 wherein the tube 11 of the bendable securement device 10 ispositioned around a gas container 25 (perimeter 25 a), a chain saw 22(perimeter 22 a) and a box 23 (perimeter 23 a) in the cargo area of apick-up box 1. FIGS. 6-10 illustrate the advantages that the bendablecargo securement device 10 conveys in that the flexible tubular section(tube) 11 conforms to a perimeter 20 a of the shape of the securableobjects 20, having either regular or irregular shapes, thereby improvingthe transmission and distribution of the weight of the filler material 4allowing securement of the various securable objects 20. One of ordinaryskill will appreciate that any securable object 20 has an infinitenumber of perimeters 20 a representing the shape of the securable object20 at any particular dimension (height, width, length) and combinationstherein to which the shape of the flexible tube 11 of the bendablesecurement device 10 may conform to and engage with to stabilize asecurable object 20 having either a regular or irregular shape. One ofordinary skill will appreciate that the various securable objects 20 inno way limit the breadth of the possible uses or applications fordeployment of the Securement Device 10 and instead are mereillustrations of potential uses.

The Securement Device 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6-10, may rangein length from 4 foot to 12 foot for deployment, without restriction orlimitation. One of ordinary skill will appreciate a preferred length fora consumer type deployment may be 6-7 feet having a diameter of 3-4inches. When deployed with aggregate as the fill material 4, theSecurement Device 10 would weigh in the range of 22-26 lbs.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate a preferred length for acontractor or industrial deployment may be 10-12 feet having a diameterof 4-6 inches. When deployed with aggregate as the fill material 4, theSecurement Device 10 would weigh in the range of 65-85 lbs. One ofordinary skill will appreciate that the proceeding dimensions areproviding without restriction or limitation for the Securement Device 10as disclosed as it may be deployed in a multitude of configurations assuitable for a particular need or deployment. The tube 11 of theSecurement Device 10 may have a stored diameter of 2 inches to 10inches, subject to the length of the tube 11 and the thickness of thetube walls therein. FIG. 11 provides a top view of the tube 11 of thesecurement device 10 as coiled after unboxing and prior to fill material4 being added or clamps 13 being installed. As shown in FIG. 11, thecoiled dimension of the tube 11 is approximately 5½ inches by 8 incheswith a height of approximately 2 inches for a tube 11 having a length of72 inches, diameter of 4 inches and a wall thickness of 1/16 inches. Inother embodiments the wall thickness may be in the range of 1-3.5 mm.

As discussed, the tube 11 should be fabricated from material havingsufficient flexibility and bendability to allow the Securement Device 10to wrap around items (securable objects 20) while having suitablestrength to avoid puncture/destruction from deployment. Further, thematerial chosen should not allow absorption or invasion of fluids intothe interior of the tube 11 d. In at least one embodiment, theSecurement Device 10 may be constructed of material of sufficientstrength and durability to support “bendability” to allow the weight ofthe fill material 4 positioned within the tube 11 to be transmittedthrough and against the various securable objects 20 to be securedwithout allowing the fill material 4 to leave the confines of the tube11 and not degrade the tube 11 with repeated use as deployed which couldallow intrusion of moisture or escape of fill material 4 via abrasions,cuts or punctures. In at least one embodiment, the tube wall thickness11 a is in the range of 1 mm to 3.5 mm and the material for constructionis butyl rubber which is satisfactory in resisting degradation, avoidingintrusion of moisture and escape of fill material while still being“bendable” to generally conform to the shape of the object(s) to besecured to allow transmission of the weight or heft of the SecurementDevice 10 to the securable objects 20 to be secured thereby fixing theirrelative position and increasing their stability.

As disclosed the tube 11 of the Securement Device 10 may be fabricatedfrom butyl rubber (synthetic) or natural rubber. Applicant has foundthis particular material, in at least one embodiment, in suitabledimensions and sizes as disclosed, meets the desired requirements ofbendability, resistance to puncture and invasion of moisture whiletransmitting the weight of the fill material to the objects to besecured. Further, the clamp 13 configuration as disclosed works upon andengages satisfactorily with the ends of tube 11. One of ordinary skillwill appreciate that other materials may be satisfactory, subject to theparticular needs of a particular configuration and deployment.

Illustrative Method of Use and Installation

In one embodiment the bendable cargo securement device 10 may be sold asa kit which could include a pair (2) of closure device 12, illustratedas clamps 13, a number of fasteners 17 (shown as 2-6 self-threadingmetal screws and a section of flexible tube 11. (See FIG. 12illustrating the consumer version of the flexible tubular section 11 asshipped in its box 30.) As shown, the consumer type deployment may be6-7 feet having a coiled diameter of 3-4 inches. In this embodiment, theuser would open the box 30, remove the flexible tube portion 11, unrollor uncoil it, and lay it on a flat surface. (Not shown) As shown inFIGS. 1, 5 and 11, the uncoiled flexible tubular section 11 has both afirst and a second end (11 d), and the flexible tubular section 11 ishollow or empty 12. Typically, the user selects an end of the flexibletubular section 11 d and engages a first closure device 12 configuredfor attachment and closure of the end of the flexible tubular section 11d.

As shown throughout FIGS. 1-11 and particularly at FIGS. 3 and 5A theclamps 13 have a top 13 a and bottom 13 a that are put together to formthe closure device 12. As shown, the bottom half a clamp 13 b is putunder one end of the tube 11 c, with the other half positioned over thetop of the tube end 11 c, aligning the tube end with the contact ridges14 a and contact recesses 14 b, together the contact zone 14. Asassembled, approximately ⅝″ or 16 mm of the tube 11 should be covered bythe clamp 13. Thereafter, the screws 17 should be inserted into theapertures 13 c aligned with guide tubes 13 d. The screws will pierce thetube wall 11 a and go through from top portion 13 a to the bottomportion 13 b. The screws should be tightened until they are flush withthe top of the clamp 13 a and should not be overtightened. The design ofthe clamp 13 with contact zone 14 and locking zone 15 ensures that asnug fit is all that is required. The clamp 13 will compress and sealthe tube end 11 c. The user then loads a filler material 4 into theflexible tubular section 11 via the second end 11 d. Fill material 4 maybe pea gravel, small rock, dirt or a mixture therein and is preferablydry when entered into the flexible tubular section 11 to avoid freezingin colder climates and general degradation. Further, it may bebeneficial to lift the flexible tube up (hold inclined to the vertical)and to shake it slightly to assist with induction of the fill material 4into the flexible tubular section 4. Typically, the tube 11 is filled upwith fill material 4 to approximately 3-6 inches from the open end andthe fill material level to ensure the desired level of flexibility ofthe cargo securement device 10. Then the user closes the second end ofthe flexible tubular section 11 with the attachment of a second closuredevice 12 (clamp 13), as previously discussed, to form a bendable cargosecurement device 10. The bendable cargo securement device 10 is nowassembled and ready for deployment.

The following modifications, although not shown, would be obvious to oneof ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Thevarious elements of the Securement Device 10 may be separately formedand later engaged with one another (e.g., via mechanical fasteners,material fusing, chemical adhesives, etc.) or integrally formed with oneanother therein. The materials used to construct the Securement Device10 and various elements thereof will vary depending on the specificapplication of the Securement Device 10, but it is contemplated thatrubber, butyl rubber, plastic, steel, aluminum, polymers, othersynthetic materials, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof willbe especially useful for some applications in whole or in part.Accordingly, the above-referenced elements may be constructed of anymaterial known to those skilled in the art or later developed, whichmaterial is appropriate for the specific application of the SecurementDevice 10, without departing from the spirit and scope of the SecurementDevice 10 as disclosed and claimed herein.

Having described the preferred embodiments, other features of theSecurement Device 10 will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art,as will numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments asillustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the Securement Device 10 disclosed herein.Accordingly, the methods and embodiments pictured and described hereinare for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the presentdisclosure extends to all method and/or structures for providingincreased functionality, comfort, longevity, enjoyment and aesthetics inthe use and deployment of the Securement Device 10 for holding andsecuring portable objects during transport in the cargo area of apick-up truck or any other application requiring securement of objects20. Furthermore, the methods and embodiments pictured and describedherein are no way limiting to the scope of the Securement Device 10 andmethod of use unless so stated in the following claims.

It should be noted that the Securement Device 10 is not limited to thespecific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended toapply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the variousbenefits and/or features of a Securement Device 10. Modifications andalterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilledin the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the SecurementDevice 10. It is understood that the Securement Device 10 as disclosedherein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of theindividual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings,and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinationsconstitute various alternative aspects of the Securement Device 10and/or components thereof. The embodiments described herein explain thebest modes known for practicing the Securement Device 10 and/orcomponents thereof and will enable others skilled in the art to utilizethe same. The claims are to be construed to include alternativeembodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

While the Securement Device 10 has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to:matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operationalflow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in thespecification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of securing cargo comprised of regularshaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendable cargosecurement device comprising: a) uncoiling a flexible tubular sectionhaving a first end and a second end, wherein said flexible tubularsection is hollow; b) engaging a first closure device configured forattachment and closure of the first end of the flexible tubular section;c) loading a filler material into the flexible tubular section via thesecond end; and, d) closing the second end of the flexible tubularsection with the attachment of a second closure device to form abendable cargo securement device.
 2. The method of securing cargocomprised of regular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with abendable cargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein theflexible tubular section of the bendable cargo securement device issufficiently flexible to allow the bendable cargo securement device toconform to the general shape of a perimeter of an object upon contactbetween the flexible tubular section and the object thereby stabilizingthe position of the object.
 3. The method of securing cargo comprised ofregular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendablecargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein the tubular sectionis sufficiently flexible to allow the bendable cargo securement devicewhen loaded with the filler material to conform to the general shape ofa perimeter of an irregular shaped object and a perimeter of regularshaped object for securement.
 4. The method of securing cargo comprisedof regular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendablecargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein the closure devicesare configured with a contact zone for contact and engagement with theends of the flexible tubular section having filler material therein. 5.The method of securing cargo comprised of regular shaped objects andirregular shaped objects with a bendable cargo securement deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the flexible tubular section is constructedof butyl rubber having a wall thickness in the range of 0.9-4.0 mm. 6.The method of securing cargo comprised of regular shaped objects andirregular shaped objects with a bendable cargo securement deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the flexible tubular section is constructedof butyl rubber and is impermeable to moisture.
 7. The method ofsecuring cargo comprised of regular shaped objects and irregular shapedobjects with a bendable cargo securement device according to claim 1wherein the flexible tubular section is comprised of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of rubber, butyl rubber, plastic andcombinations thereof.
 8. The method of securing cargo comprised ofregular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendablecargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein the flexibletubular section has a diameter in the range of 2-10 inches when coiledin the stored position.
 9. The method of securing cargo comprised ofregular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendablecargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein the flexibletubular section has a length in the range of 12-144 inches.
 10. Themethod of securing cargo comprised of regular shaped objects andirregular shaped objects with a bendable cargo securement deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the filler material is comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of pea gravel, rock, crushedrock, soil, dirt and combinations thereof.
 11. The method of securingcargo comprised of regular shaped objects and irregular shaped objectswith a bendable cargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein theflexible tubular section has a mass in the range of 15-100 lbs. whendeployed with filler material.
 12. The method of securing cargocomprised of regular shaped objects and irregular shaped objects with abendable cargo securement device according to claim 1 wherein theclosure devices are configured as clamps wherein each side of the clampis configured with a contact zone for contact and engagement with theends of the flexible tubular section having filler material therein anda locking zone for securement of the first and second sides of the clampto each other.
 13. The method of securing cargo comprised of regularshaped objects and irregular shaped objects with a bendable cargosecurement device according to claim 12 wherein the locking zone of theclamps is further comprised of at least one contact ridge and at leastone contact recess configured for cooperative coupled engagementtherein.
 14. The method of securing cargo comprised of regular shapedobjects and irregular shaped objects with a bendable cargo securementdevice according to claim 13 wherein the locking zone is comprised of alocking ridge and a locking recess, each having a half-moon shape andpositioned towards the apex of the first end of each clamp and above thecontact zone to engage and lock together for engagement with the wall ofthe flexible tubular section to seal against the open end.
 15. Themethod of securing cargo comprised of regular shaped objects andirregular shaped objects with a bendable cargo securement deviceaccording to claim 14 wherein the locking zone of the clamps isconfigured with at least one aperture therein configured for engagementwith at least one fastener therein for cooperative coupled engagementtherein between the sides of the clamps.